FAQ
Who are the Friends of Montessori?
Friends of Montessori (FOM) is a 501(c)(3) organization made up of volunteer parents, teachers, and community members dedicated to expanding the opportunity for, and maintaining the integrity and excellence of, Montessori programs in the Houston public schools. It includes each parent/guardian of a child in a Montessori class at Garden Oaks, Whidby, Los Niños and Woodrow Wilson schools.
What is the difference between Friends of Montessori and PTO/acronym>/PTA?
PTO/PTA and FOM both work to support the learning environment, and both groups raise supportive funds, but these funds are targeted to different things. The PTO/acronym>/PTA raises funds for general school needs, while FOM raises funds for specific Montessori classroom materials. FOM also interacts with Houston ISD administration and educates parents to increase the understanding of the Montessori philosophy and methods.
When are Friends of Montessori meetings and events?
- Friends of Montessori Executive Board hold monthly meetings bringing to the table chapter updates and planning specific goals with each, as well as Houston ISD.
- Affiliated Chapters schedule meetings independently to accomplish specific goals such as, planning their individual fund raising events, program needs, etc.
- Committees may also hold monthly meetings, such as the Grants Writing/Fund raising/Communications Committees.
- Announcements regarding parent education and events will be sent home throughout the year, and posted to our social network on www.bigtent.com. To find out more, attend chapter meeting at your school and/or join a committee, and check announcements at your chapter.
Why does Friends of Montessori need my help?
FOM is a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to making its schools the best educational alternatives in HISD. Your help is needed and appreciated in fund raising, materials making, communications (our newsletters and web site), planning and executing educational/fund raising events, as well as raising district awareness of parental support.